Breast Augmentation

Women throughout the Southeast, some northern states and from abroad have sought out Michael S. Beckenstein, MD, for breast augmentation in Birmingham, AL. He performs breast augmentation for patients who are unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts and have decided to pursue this surgical procedure to improve their appearance.

If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation, you can request your comprehensive consultation online or feel free to speak with an office associate at (205) 933-9308. Dr. Beckenstein's office associates will be delighted to answer any questions you might have and arrange for you to speak with him in person.

Candidates

Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) is well-suited for women who want larger, fuller breasts with a more attractive shape. Many women have never been pleased with the size and shape of their breasts, while others have lost breast size and shape after childbearing or dramatic weight loss. Women choose Dr. Beckenstein for breast enlargement in Birmingham because of the excellent care he provides and the impressive results he achieves. He performs this procedure in one of several area hospitals, which offer important safety advantages over office-based surgery.

By helping you choose the right implants, taking into account size and shape and placing them in the right position, Dr. Beckenstein strives to achieve a natural appearance for you, eliminating the recognizable and obvious "augmented" look. Several variables must be addressed to achieve the best aesthetic result. When you meet with Dr. Beckenstein, he will analyze your breast dimensions carefully. After a discussion of your aesthetic goals, BOTH of you will develop a plan for your augmentation – including implant type, size, incision site and placement. If you are currently considering breast implants, know your options; take a look at our Breast Augmentation FAQs page.

Newly Reduced Fees

Dr. Beckenstein has negotiated down the rates his breast augmentation patients are charged by the hospitals for their breast enhancement surgeries. As a result, he is now offering significantly reduced rates for breast enlargement and other procedures. These new fees are incredibly competitive and will be discussed in detail during your visit.

Implant Size and Shape

Dr. Beckenstein offers many types of breast implants. They are available in a variety of sizes and can be filled with saline or silicone gel, depending on patient preference and needs. Silicone gel implants are now available for all women over the age of 22 considering breast augmentation.

The silicone breast implants available in Dr. Beckenstein's Birmingham practice are the most current generation of silicone gel breast implants - the Natrelle® 410 highly-cohesive anatomically-shaped silicone gel implants. Sometimes called "gummy bear" implants, they contain a cohesive silicone gel that maintains its shape when you are in any position. Round implants may collapse in the standing position, causing a loss of fullness in this area. The 410 devices maintain this upper fullness in any position. This durable material helps reduce the likelihood of gel bleed or leakage from the implant. Gummy bear implants are also anatomically-shaped to provide a natural-looking result.

Dr. Beckenstein will discuss your candidacy for silicone gel implants during your consultation. Implants are available in round or anatomic (tear drop) shape, with the dimensions of your breast and the size you desire largely determining which implant type is appropriate for you. The outer implant shell is either textured or smooth, and the implant location usually dictates which type Dr. Beckenstein uses.

Incision Location and Placement

Dr. Beckenstein offers three approaches when performing breast augmentation. The inframammary approach places the incisions beneath the breast where the new breast crease will form. This incision is very well concealed and enables the lower curve of the breast to be shaped. Implants also can be placed through an incision around the areola (peri-areolar approach) or in the underarm (transaxillary approach). Each approach has distinct advantages and disadvantages which Dr. Beckenstein will discuss with you in detail during your breast augmentation consultation.

Breast implants can be placed above the pectoralis major muscle and beneath the breast tissue (subglandular) or beneath this muscle (subpectoral). Placement largely depends on your current breast anatomy and desired implant characteristics. Dr. Beckenstein prefers the subpectoral approach for the majority of his patients, but he often uses the subglandular method for women with marginal sagging (ptosis) or lesser skin elasticity. He is now using a newer Dual Plane approach, which combines these two techniques to yield better results for marginal ptosis. Dr. Beckenstein always strives to achieve a natural appearance, avoiding the "augmented" look. He will recommend placement options based on your anatomy and desired goals.

Your Surgery

This procedure generally takes 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Incisions are carefully placed to conceal them and to minimize the final scar. For saline implants, the incision is approximately 1 inch in length. Through this incision, Dr. Beckenstein creates a pocket where the implant will be placed. After the implant is in place, incisions are sutured and your breasts will be supported with a light dressing and surgical brassiere. Dr. Beckenstein will thoroughly discuss all these details with you during your consultation.

Dr. Beckenstein employs the anatomic approach to breast augmentation, which requires careful assessment of your breast dimensions. He co-authored a chapter in a breast surgery textbook detailing this method. Based on your current breast dimensions, and desired result, Dr. Beckenstein will recommend the appropriate implant to assure a natural-looking result without an obviously "augmented" appearance.

During your consultation, you will receive a great deal of information about the procedure along with an extensive examination. You will also discuss your implant options – including implant type and size, incision location and placement method. Dr. Beckenstein will listen carefully to all your expectations and concerns. He will assist you with the decisions that are necessary to reach your goal of a successful breast augmentation.